As the clock ticks toward the deadline, millions of Kenyans are rushing to file their tax returns with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Whether you are employed, self-employed, or unemployed, understanding your tax obligations is crucial to avoiding hefty penalties and possibly benefiting from ongoing amnesty relief.
Here are five essential things to know about filing your KRA returns for the 2024/25 financial year:
The deadline
The deadline to file individual income tax returns for the fiscal year 2024/25 is June 30, 2025.
This applies to all Kenyan taxpayers with a KRA PIN, including those with no income, who are still required to file nil returns.
Late filing attracts a penalty of Ksh 2,000 or 5% of the tax due, whichever is higher, plus interest on any unpaid taxes.
iTax
The main channel for filing your returns is the KRA iTax portal.
Through iTax, you can:
1. File returns based on your P9 form if you’re employed
2. Declare business or rental income
3. Submit VAT and PAYE returns
4. File nil returns if you had no income during the year
The system has improved in recent years, and some PAYE information is now auto-populated for those whose employers submitted accurate records.
eCitizen
In a welcome move toward simplification, KRA has enabled nil return filing via the eCitizen portal.
This option is ideal for students, unemployed individuals, and any taxpayer with no taxable income in 2024.
However, if you earned any income, whether from employment, business, or rent, you’ll still need to log in to the iTax portal and complete the appropriate return form.
Tax amnesty
If you have unresolved tax debts dating back to 31 December 2023, the ongoing tax amnesty could work in your favour. The amnesty clears penalties and interest if you settle the principal tax by June 30, 2025.
This relief is part of KRA’s efforts to encourage compliance and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Check your iTax account under the ‘Amnesty’ section to confirm if you qualify and take advantage before the deadline.
Parting shot
Filing your returns might seem tedious, but it’s a legal requirement, and avoiding it could cost you far more in penalties and interest.
Whether you’re filing a simple nil return or a complex business declaration, do it before June 30, 2025, to stay compliant and possibly benefit from the amnesty window.
Need help? KRA has set up support desks at Huduma Centres, or you can reach out via Twitter (@KRACare) or walk into your nearest KRA office.
Martin Oduor
The alchemist of literary works – a master wordsmith with a proven record of transforming the raw materials of language into a rich tapestry of emotion, thought, and imagination.
